August 9-14
with Osamu Shoji
As a woodworker you have probably seen Japanese hand tools, and possibly wondered what is so special about them. Perhaps you have purchased Japanese tools and experienced mixed results. Almost everyone loves the saws, but Japanese hand planes can be quite mysterious. The chisels and sharpening stones seem more straightforward, but there is much more to learn that makes these tools particularly effective and a pleasure to use.
This
course solves the mystery. Japanese tools don't look like western tools
because they are meant to be used somewhat differently. Once introduced
to these techniques, you will find that the design of Japanese tools is
not only logical but also very efficient. For instance, Japanese saws
and hand planes are meant to be pulled toward the body rather than pushed
away from yourself. This means that you become more centered and controlled
during each pass, rather than shifting yourself off-balance. With the
saws, a pull allows use of a much thinner blade, which not only makes
a narrower kerf, but also requires much less effort to use.
The course project is a traditional Japanese lamp, known as an andon. The four-sided wood frame has vertical elements that can be extended to become a floor lamp, kept short for use on a table, or trimmed flush with the framework for hanging on a ceiling. The frame is covered with translucent washi (handmade paper) similar to that of a shoji screen. The side panels can be left as simple frames, or they can contain notched and half-lapped decorative dividers. The traditional light source is a bowl containing a wick and burning oil; our version can be converted for electric lighting (perhaps battery powered LEDs.) Class participants will design their own andon with the supervision of Shoji-san. The class is suitable for intermediate and advanced woodworkers.
The tuition is $1075 for this 6-day class. This includes materials, meals and lodging. Because tool preparation and sharpening is a major component of the process, students bring their own basic set of tools to this course. We will help with suggestions on how to keep costs reasonable, and to prevent mistaken purchases.
www.japanwoodworker.com Phone: 1 800 537 7820
www.hidatool.com Phone: 1 800 443 5512
Country Workshops Home Page
E-mail:
Drew Langsner
Phone:
828-656-2280 (Daily, 9-6 Eastern time)
